An upcoming line of toys from Disney is about to take the iPad’s multi-touch display to a whole other level. “Disney Appmates” will be a series of interactive games that use the iPad’s display to enhance the experience of playing with physical toys.

Initially, characters from the Cars 2 movie will be sold with an accompanying App Store app. 6-year olds everywhere are about to have a new obsession.

Disney will be rolling out its Appmates line for popular movie titles in the coming weeks. In the case of Cars 2, kids will be able to place the toy on the iPad’s screen and automatically bond with the App Store game — no Bluetooth setup necessary.

“As Decrem moved the toy car across the screen, the game reacted: Cars skidded out in the mud, knocked over buildings and honked their horns, startling tractor-shaped cows.

The game is supposed to react precisely to a player’s movements, and during Decrem’s short demonstration it did, for the most part. For example, as he approached a mirror in the game, he was able to see the reflection of the car he was holding.”

According to its creators, the game will be, “for boys around the age of six who really enjoy knocking things over.”

Each two-pack of toys will be sold for $20, while the App Store game will be available for free. Disney plans to launch Appmates in its stores (and on the App Store) October 1st.

Disney is making more products for Apple devices, including a Cars-themed iPad case ($50), a Disney Pix Camera for the iPhone and iPad ($80), and a microphone for karaoke to popular Disney tunes ($60 for wired mic and $100 for wireless).

The idea of using a physical toy with a virtual game on the iPad is still relatively new, so it will be interesting to see how other content creators innovate in this area.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quDUzyFqQwY

What do you think, parents? Will you be buying this game for your kids?

Can’t wait for the reports of broken screens by 6 year-olds slamming their toys on them.

sydney

it might scratch the screen..

lavender_rose

Comments: No matter what others say.. there is no other game like ToonTown.. club penguin is nothing like it.. ToonTown is for all ages..i am an adult who loves to play ToonTown with my nephew and with other friends.. it is a great interactive game.. please reconsider your choice of closing ToonTown.. if you must close a game.. close Cub Penguin.. it is not a game for adults and not a very good interactive game.. Why not make ToonTown available as an APP for the Iphone and Ipad?

About the author

Alex Heath is a senior writer at Cult of Mac and co-host of the CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like "ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation." If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Twitter always works too.

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